APPLICATION OF THE DRASTIC GROUNDWATER VULNERABILITY MAPPING TO THE AQUIFER OF MAGHNIA (NORTH-WEST OF ALGERIA)

Abstract

Mapping the vulnerability of ground waters in regions of high anthropogenic actions is a crucial step in any realisation in order to ensure rational management of water resources as well as a harmonious urban and socio-economical development.

The present work aims at the determination of vulnerable areas of one of the most important aquifer in the north western region of the “wilaya” (department) of Tlemcen. Indeed, this important aquifer of Maghnia which encroaches on the Moroccan territory is increasingly used by farm operators. It is formed by alluvial and clayey sand formations of Plio-Quaternary. Water pumping in this region is realised by means of classical wells (the most widely used method) as well as by drillings. Unlike wells, the drillings can capture all the water, which may results in an intensive exploitation of the aquifer. In this paper, we used the DRASTIC method to obtain the mapping of the intrinsic vulnerability of this aquifer. The results clearly indicate two vulnerable areas. This map constitutes an important basis for the integrated groundwater management studies and the long-term planning of protective measures.